Trade Me car deal ends in armed kidnapping

Four Gisborne men are facing kidnapping and aggravated robbery charges after a car deal went wrong.

The four men, aged 20, 22 and 17, are facing charges of aggravated robbery, kidnapping and unlawful possession of a firearm after they were arrested last night.

Police said the men put a Toyota Hilux utility up for sale on Trade Me in December. This month, they swapped the ute for a Nissan Skyline owned by an Opotiki man.

Police said the vehicles were exchanged, however the Nissan Skyline recently broke down.

Detective Sergeant Theo Akroyd said the two parties met last night after the owner of the Nissan contacted the four men when he realised he had left his wallet and some money in the vehicle. They arranged to meet in Opotiki to return the wallet to the man.

Police allege the four men decided they wanted their Hilux ute back so kidnapped the victim and stole the Hilux from him at gunpoint.

He was allegedly dropped off unharmed last night near Hell's Gate by the four men.

After being contacted by the victim, police arrested the four men once they returned to Gisborne last night.